I don't know how many of you read Star Wars Insider anymore, but the last issue (107) had a feature about the process of making a Star Wars figure. Within the article, Hasbro discusses how it makes up its waves, and mentions that a typical wave of eight figures might include up to three "A-rated" characters (which are produced in greater numbers). They go on to say that there are only 12 A-rated characters in the entire Saga (from Hasbro's viewpoint), and mention some that are or are not included on that list. It also appears to depend on which version of the character it is. For example, both Jedi Luke Skywalker and X-Wing Pilot Luke Skywalker are considered "As", while farmboy Luke is not. Others they mentioned as A's are Jango and Boba Fett, and R2-D2. Some figures that are not considered A's are Han Solo (surprising, but apparently due to lack of kid interest), C-3PO, and Princess Leia. Anyways, I just thought it was interesting, and was wondering which other characters you think make up the list of 12. I would think figures like Anakin and Obi-Wan are certainly included (at least their ROTS versions), as well as Vader and probably some sort of clonetrooper. Which characters do you think make their cut?

Hasbro's A-list seems to really be made up of figures that have kid appeal, and that they can sell year round (they specifically mention the upcoming Jedi Luke being one that can be continually packed in throughout the year). Others that could maybe make the cut, going by this criteria, could possibly be Darth Maul, General Grievous, Yoda, Chewie?, and as mentioned Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Vader.

Vader is the one that leaps to mind immediately. I would agree that a generic clone trooper would make that list as well. As for the others, if Han doesn't make the list, then I'm stumped. Jedi Luke though? Then how come they haven't made a good one yet?

I think that's probably close to the mark. Vader has got to be on there - that's the first one I thought of too. Anakin and Obi-Wan seem right, I'd say Stormtrooper as well. For the remaining three, I'd say these:

I wonder if the repaints of the AOTC and ROTS clones get lumped in with the plain clones for the purposes of this ranking. I'm just thinking that to a kid, they might not care all that much if the clone has yellow stripes on his arms, he's still a cool clone.

I think the list that's been compiled is pretty much exactly what I'd expect as A class characters. Except Han that is, he wears a reasonably similar outfit through out the whole OT (I know there are differences, but to a kid Cantina Han would look fine at the Ewok Celebration...), so I figure he'd be popular, also since he was the character my brothers wanted to be, not Luke.

Hasbro's A-list seems to really be made up of figures that have kid appeal, and that they can sell year round (they specifically mention the upcoming Jedi Luke being one that can be continually packed in throughout the year). Others that could maybe make the cut, going by this criteria, could possibly be Darth Maul, General Grievous, Yoda, Chewie?, and as mentioned Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Vader.[/quote]

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I was surprised that Han wasn't included on the list as well, but maybe the younger generation doesn't care as much about the OT characters at this point (at least, if they don't have SW fans for parents). I figure the overall list probably skews more towards prequel characters, since that is what we see most often in the Legends assortments and repacks aplenty. I'm actually sort of surprised two Lukes make the list here, and that certain ones are preferred over the others. I think in the vintage days, the "farmboy" Luke is the one you wanted the most - maybe until Jedi came out anyways.

Its funny, as often as we used to make fun of the Commtech Han Solo getting repackaged, I think that - while a very good figure - that ROTS Pilot Obi-Wan has probably come close to passing that one by. That figure is pretty much always on the pegs, year round. Not that I mind though. To me, that is an example of the perfect type of figure to keep out there for kids and/or new collectors. The "ultimate" version of a main character - those are the types I'd like to see get repackaged. Same with the Anakin Skywalker Evolutions figures, VOTC Han/Luke/Leia/Chewie, the super articulated troops, etc.

To be honest my son and his cousins do not seem that excited about Han either. They all range from 3-8 years old. They tend to recognize more characters from the prequels like Anakin, young Kenobi, clonetroopers, Grievous, Jango, Padme, Yoda w/ lightsaber, Jedi Knights, Ahsoka, Darth Maul, etc. Of course they know Vader, Luke, and Boba Fett, but seem to be into those characters more so. Of course it could be from the Clone Wars show and see more of those characters.

There seems to be one missing (he listed off the top of his head), unless you count both the Fetts seperately (he said they occupy the same "slot"). Sort of surprised to see Qui Gon on there, and not someone like Han/Chewie.

Yeah Qui Gon does seem an odd choice, especially since "A" characters are supposed to be the anchor characters within a wave and Qui Gon really hasn't appeared too often of late (he was in an evolution pack and is an exclusive with an Eopie later this year, but when else has he been shipping lately?)